THE MESA U.S.A. VISION
To support the national science and mathematics
educational agenda by ensuring the all MESA students develop a high level
of literacy in mathematics and science so they can play a leading role
within an increasingly technology-based world
THE UTAH MESA/STEP CONSORTIUM
The purpose of MESA is to increase the number of
under served ethnic minority and all female students who pursue course
work, advanced study and possible careers in mathematics, engineering,
and science areas.
A MESA Program is
administered by the Utah Office of Education which provides funds to
participating school districts and charter schools. Each District develops an
individualized program that is composed of classes and/or clubs. Some districts offer MESA math and
science courses for their students and MESA after school clubs. Other schools
offer only MESA after school club activities.
Districts have a MESA Team in
each of their MESA schools. In each school, a MESA Team is composed, at a
minimum, of a counselor, a math or science teacher, a MESA advisor, an
administrator, and a community person. The team provides tutoring,
counseling, leadership opportunities and motivational activities for
targeted students.
The MESA program acts as the beginning of “pipe-line”
with STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering Programs) continuing as the
higher education component of the pipeline. The STEP schools consist of Salt Lake Community
College, University of Utah, Weber State University and Utah State
University. STEP Directors work with graduating MESA students and others
in the target population who are pursuing math, science, engineering, and
related fields of study.
The Utah MESA/STEP Consortium is administered by the
University of Utah and is funded by the state legislature, industry
contributions and grants.
 Academic and Career Advising
MESA and STEP advisors or school councilors encourage (and track)
students to take required courses in math, science, engineering, and
related technology to facilitate their pursuit of a science, engineering,
math, or health science career.
Field Trips
Advisors encourage attendance at recommended field trips and outside
program activities for MESA and STEP student members.
Financial Aid Information
STEP Directors and other member college/university personnel in
appropriate Departments provide options for MESA/STEP students to seek
and acquire funds to assist in their goals of finishing college in
math/science and related areas of study.
Seminars/Workshops/Internships
These activities for MESA/STEP students are provided by participating
member university personnel and members of the Industry Advisory Council.
Student Recognition Awards
End-of-Year Ceremonies can provide the vehicle for participating school
districts to recognize the accomplishments of their respective outstanding
and dedicated students at ceremonies in the presence of their parents,
school personnel, peers, and MESA/STEP program participants.
Student Scholarships
The Industry Advisory Council and other businesses/industries in the
State of Utah, provide annual scholarships for qualified MESA graduating
seniors and continuing STEP students in the program. Twenty to
twenty-five $1000 scholarships are usually awarded annually. Also the
Industry Advisory Council assists the Greater Salt Lake chapter of the
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to select eligible student awardee with
$500 scholarships
Tutoring/Mentoring/Role Models
From MESA student peers, to teachers/advisors, to Board/Committee/Council
members, to interested persons in the Community -- many are participating
to some extent in these roles for the good of MESA/STEP students. During
their annual training, these topics are emphasized for teachers/advisors
participating in the program.
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